BENTON HARBOR — Lake Michigan College will begin offering English as a Second Language community education classes this fall.

The first courses run Sept. 17 through Nov. 20 on LMC’s Benton Harbor campus.

Students will learn about U.S. culture and American English language through instruction in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Graduates will be prepared to use their new language skills socially, in the workplace or to prepare for college.

Classes are offered from basic to advanced levels, and all non-native English speakers are welcome regardless of previous training or ability. Course instructors have master’s degrees in teaching English as a Second Language and at least five years of experience teaching English to adults.

“LMC has received many requests over the years for ESL courses. We’re thrilled to help people in our communities communicate more effectively in their daily interactions and in their careers,” said the Dean of Arts and Sciences Education Gary Roberts.

Each course is 10-weeks long with two evening classes per week. Classes are scheduled either Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m., or 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., depending on which class a student places into.

For more information and registration, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/esl. The cost is $300 and includes textbooks. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion from LMC. The registration deadline is Sept. 7. Contact: Monique Yoder, director of English as a Second Language, at yoderm@lakemichigancollege.edu or (269) 927-4557.